Program Overview
Introduction to Zoology at the University of Guelph
The Zoology major at the University of Guelph provides a strong foundation in the structure and function, physiology, and ecology of vertebrates and invertebrates. Students explore topics ranging from animal behaviour and ecosystems to the evolution of invertebrates, while developing the knowledge and skills to investigate how animals adapt, survive, and respond to environmental change.
Why Study Zoology at U of G?
Zoology, the scientific study of animals in nature, including their biology, ecology, behaviour, and evolution, can help us understand the connections between animals and the environment and the impact of human activities. The program encourages students to focus their studies where they are most interested, with courses in adaptational physiology, developmental biology, as well as hands-on labs in ornithology, ichthyology, herpetology, and/or mammalogy.
Develop Your Knowledge of Animal Life
This major provides students with a broad foundation in animal biology and biodiversity, from the individual to population levels, with courses in physiology, ecology, evolution, and the structure and function of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Students take their studies beyond the classroom through field courses to places like Algonquin Provincial Park and St. Andrews, New Brunswick, state-of-the-art facilities, including the on-campus Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, and the University's own 400-acre Arboretum. In their fourth year, students can pursue their own research questions through an independent research course.
Careers in Zoology
With their mix of practical experience, gained through lab, field, and research courses, and knowledge, including in strategies for conservation at the individual, population, and community levels, Zoology graduates are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in public and private sectors. Some careers that graduates have successfully pursued include:
- Agricultural Zoologist
- Animal Care and Research Assistant
- Animal Ecologist
- Aquatic Research Scientist
- Avian Biologist
- Biology Teacher
- Communications Lead
- Consultation Biologist
- Field Biologist
- Fisheries Biologist
- Habitat Developer
- Health Educator
- Laboratory Manager
- Museum Curator
- Nature Reserves Manager
- Researcher
- Resource Management Officer
- Science Journalist
- Senior Policy Advisor
- Senior Specialist, Natural Heritage Management
- Stewardship Officer
- Sustainability Manager
- Terrestrial and Wetland Biology
- Wildlife Biologist
- Zoo Attendant
Student Testimonials
Students and alumni share their experiences and the value they found in the Zoology program at the University of Guelph, highlighting the hands-on experiences, the breadth of knowledge gained, and the opportunities for research and professional development.
Discover More Options
Students considering the Zoology program may also be interested in Animal Biology, Animal Science, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, or other majors. Note that Animal Biology and Animal Science focus mainly on domesticated animals, including pets and livestock, whereas Zoology studies all animals.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students.
Scholarships & Bursaries
The University of Guelph offers a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding education.
Campus Tours
Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars, and in-person tours, get familiar with the University of Guelph campus.
University Rankings
The University of Guelph is recognized for its excellence, ranked as a Top Comprehensive University in Canada, among the Top 150 in the World for Life Sciences, and within the Top 20% in the World for Biological Sciences. Specifically, for Zoology, it is ranked among the Top 3 in Canada.